Neurocarrus

Neurocarrus is a biotech company. It's developing a non-opioid drug that can treat pain without the risk of addiction.

The treatment has achieved successful results in pre-clinical trials, and the company aims to bring its drug to market within the next seven years.

According to company research, opioids are the most widely used drug to treat more than 23 million Americans who are struggling with daily pain. However, these drugs often stimulate the “pleasure center” of the brain, leading to addiction and excessive use.

Since 1999, for example, the number of opioid overdoses in America has quadrupled. In 2017, more than 115 Americans died each day from an opioid overdose. That year, addiction to opioids was declared a U.S. national emergency.

Meanwhile, most alternatives to opiates can’t be taken repeatedly, and most have significant side effects.

Neurocarrus’s drug offers pain treatment without the risk of addiction or significant side effects. Here’s how it works:

The feeling of pain is the result of overactive sensory neurons. These neurons enable a person to interact with their environment through sensations like touch and sight...

Neurocarrus’ drug seeks to turn down the activation of these neurons, similar to a dimmer switch.

To achieve this effect, Neurocarrus uses a patented protein called “N-001.” This protein targets and freezes certain neurons, stopping pain signals before they reach the brain.

While N-001 acts on the ability of the neuron to send a signal to the brain, the drug doesn’t enter what’s called the “blood brain barrier,” eliminating the possibility for the user to become addicted to it.

At the same time, the drug doesn't target a person’s motor neurons, which are responsible for controlling the muscles. This enables N-001 to eliminate pain without the typical side effects.

To start, Neurocarrus is focusing on two types of pain management:

First, the company is targeting pain close to the surface of the body. This type of pain is typically experienced by those with shingles and diabetic neuropathy. For this, Neurocarrus is working with Innoture, a medical technology company, to develop a transdermal patch application. The patch is considered a medical device, which must be regulated by the FDA.

Second, the company is targeting lower back pain caused by osteoarthritis, which is the inflammation of bones. For this, Neurocarrus is pursuing a physician-administered injection treatment.

Neurocarrus has tested its drug via injection and direct-to-skin application in pre-clinical trials (testing on animals). These studies have shown that the drug produces complete relief from acute and chronic pain compared to opiates. In addition, a patient’s normal sensation and movement have not been affected.

In spring 2018, Neurocarrus completed the IndieBio Accelerator program, and was awarded $10,000 by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse.

To develop its treatment, Neurocarrus has received a grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. In addition, the company has partnered with the University of Nebraska and University of California Santa Cruz to continue its drug development process.

By 2020, the company aims to be ready for clinical trials on humans, and expects to file a new drug application with the FDA.

In addition, Neurocarrus will file patents in eight other countries under the Patent Cooperation Treaty. The company believes these patents should prevent copycat drugs from emerging, giving it a first-mover advantage.

Team Background

Jianguo Chen - Advisor

Jianguo serves as one of Neurocarrus’ advisors.

For 12 years, he has worked as a professor of anesthesiology and Director of the Cleveland Clinic Pain Medicine Fellowship Program.

In addition, he was an assistant professor of neurosurgical surgery at the University of Louisville.

Jianguo was formerly the Head of Neurophysiology and Neurochemistry Labs at Qingdao University Medical College.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from Qingdao University and a Ph.D. in Biophysics from the University of Guelph. He also completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship program through Harvard Medical School.

Paul Blum - Co-Founder & CEO

Paul has spent more than 25 years working in cell engineering and microbiology, with a specific focus on drug development.

Prior to starting Neurocarrus, he served as a professor at the University of Nebraska for nearly 30 years.

In addition, he was an adjunct professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Paul earned a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of California, Davis.

Marina Blum - Operations Manager

Before joining the team at Neurocarrus, Marina worked for the City of San Francisco.

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley.

Co-Investors